Book Discussion on Wilson's Ghost: Reducing the Risk of Conflict

Former Secretary McNamara and Professor Blight discussed their book, Wilson’s Ghost: Reducing the Risk of Conflict, Killing, and…read more

Former Secretary McNamara and Professor Blight discussed their book, Wilson’s Ghost: Reducing the Risk of Conflict, Killing, and Catastrophe in the 21st Century, published by PublicAffairs. The book is about prevention of world conflict and carnage in the future. They suggest former President Woodrow Wilson tried to implement a policy of peace in the early 1900s but failed, and it was therefore a century of war. Secretary McNamara outlined problems that he thinks the United States might face in the 21st century and recommended finding solutions now while we are in a state of peace. The co-authors focused on three areas of potential conflict: the relationships between the three world powers, the U.S., China, and Russia; ethnic cleansing; and the future of nuclear weapons. They suggested a greater role for the United Nations and U.S. accountability to other world powers. The authors were joined by former Rep. Hamilton who talked about former President Wilson, Professor Brenner who provided an analysis of the book, and former ambassador Babbitt who served as moderator. The panelists answered questions from audience members. close